The Diocese of Venice installed the Most Rev. Emilio Biosca Agüero as bishop on July 11, marking the first change in leadership in nearly 20 years.
Hundreds of Catholics attended St. John XXIII Catholic Church for the Episcopal Ordination, a ceremony in which a priest becomes a bishop.
Biosca, a Capuchin Franciscan priest appointed by Pope Leo XIV in May, succeeds Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who retired. Bishops are required to submit their resignation to the pope at age 75.
"It was time," Dewane said before the transition. "You can only contribute so much, and then it's time to move on. And 20 years, that's a long run. Time for a change."
The Diocese of Venice, established in 1984, serves an estimated 260,000 Catholics across 10 counties in Southwest Florida. The diocese oversees 61 parishes, 10 missions and 15 schools.
Biosca is only the third bishop in the diocese's history.
The ordination followed Solemn Vespers on Friday, an evening prayer service featuring choirs representing the diocese's Haitian, Hispanic and Vietnamese communities.
Karen Barry Schwarz, the Diocese of Venice's communications director, said Episcopal ordinations are rare and often leave a lasting impression.
"It's incredibly powerful and moving when you can feel their great faith," Schwarz said. "That is contagious. To be able to be present at this moment strengthens my faith."
For Biosca's family, the ceremony was both historic and heartfelt.
"I'm usually the one receiving his blessing," his mother, Maria del Carmen Biosca, said. "When he asked me to bless him, it really touched me."
His sister, Elena Biosca Doyle, said watching her older brother take on the role challenged her to reflect on her own faith.
"He's giving up his life to the Lord," she said. "How am I living my life? What am I going to do for the Lord?"
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